Jesus Always: Embracing Joy in His Presence

by Sarah Young

January 1
Do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! As you begin a fresh year, rejoice that I am continually working newness into your life. Don’t let recent disappointments and failures define you or dampen your expectations. This is the time to make a fresh start! I am a God of unlimited creativity; expect Me to do surprising things in this year that stretches out before you. Today is a precious gift. The present moment is where I meet with you, beloved. So seek My Face throughout this day that I have made. I have carefully prepared it for you— with tender attention to every detail. I want you to rejoice and be glad in it. Search for signs of My loving Presence as you journey along the path of Life. Look for the little pleasures I have strewn alongside your pathway— sometimes in surprising places— and thank Me for each one. Your thankfulness will keep you close to Me and help you find Joy in your journey.

January 2
I am your Joy! These four words can light up your life. Since I am always with you, the Joy of My Presence is continually accessible to you. You can open up to My Presence through your trust in Me, your love for Me. Try saying, “Jesus, You are my Joy.” My Light will shine upon you and within you as you rejoice in Me, your Savior. Ponder all I have done for you and all that I am to you. This will lift you up above your circumstances. When you became My follower, I empowered you to rise above the conditions in your life. I filled you with My Spirit, and this Holy Helper has limitless Power. I promised that I will come back and take you to be with Me in heaven— that you may be where I am forever. Whenever your world is looking dark, brighten your perspective by focusing on Me. Relax in My Presence, and hear Me saying, “Beloved, I am your Joy!”

January 3
Be still, and know that I am God. Most Christians are familiar with this command, but not so many take it seriously. Yet for those who do, blessings flow like streams of living water. As these believers sit in stillness— focusing on Me and My Word— their perception of Me expands and their troubles shrink in importance. I want you to share in these blessings, beloved. Take time, take time with Me. While you rest in My Presence, I untangle your thoughts and help you view things more biblically. Remember: My Word is a lamp to guide your feet and a light for your path. Biblical thinking illuminates the path before you so you can find your way. It’s crucial to know not only that I am God but that I made you and you are Mine. You are a sheep of My pasture. Sheep have very limited understanding of what their shepherd is doing for them, but they follow him anyway. Similarly, as My “sheep,” your job is to trust Me and follow wherever I lead.

January 4
Find Joy in Me, for I am your Strength. It is vital to keep your Joy alive, especially when you’re in the throes of adversity. Whenever you are struggling with difficulties, you need to guard your thoughts and spoken words carefully. If you focus too much on all the things that are wrong, you will become increasingly discouraged— and your strength will be sapped. As soon as you realize what is happening, stop this hurtful process immediately. Turn to Me, asking Me to help you with all your struggles. Take time to praise Me: Speak or sing words of worship. Read scriptures that help you rejoice in Me. Remember that your problems are temporary but I am eternal— and so is your relationship with Me. As you find Joy in Me, delighting in My unfailing Love for you, your strength will increase. This is the Joy of the Lord, which is yours for all time and throughout eternity!

January 5
Let My consolation— My comfort— bring Joy to your soul. When anxiety is welling up within you, come to Me and pour out your heart. Then sit quietly in My Presence while I comfort you, helping you see things from My perspective. I remind you of your heavenly destination, for you are indeed on your way to Glory! I infuse My Joy and Peace into your heart, mind, and soul. When you are joyful, this changes the way you view the world around you. Even though you see much darkness, you can also see the Light of My Presence continuing to shine. Moreover, the Joy in your soul gives you buoyancy, enabling you to rise above the countless problems in your life. Once you have gained this perspective, you will discover that you can comfort others in the midst of their troubles. They will find in you the consolation that you have found in Me. Thus your Joy becomes contagious, “infecting” those around you with Joy in their souls!

January 6
It is possible for My followers to be joyful and afraid at the same time. When an angel told the women who came to My tomb that I had risen from the dead, they were “afraid yet filled with joy.” So do not let fear keep you from experiencing the Joy of My Presence. It is not a luxury reserved for times when your problems— and the crises in the world— seem under control. My loving Presence is yours to enjoy today, tomorrow, and forever! Do not give in to joyless living by letting worries about the present or the future weigh you down. Instead, remember that neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate you from My Love. Talk with Me about your fears, expressing your thoughts and feelings freely. Relax in My Presence and entrust all your concerns to Me. Then ask Me to bless you with My Joy, which no one can take from you.

January 7
The more often you turn your thoughts to Me, the more you will enjoy My perfect Peace. This is a challenging goal, but it is also a glorious gift. I, the Shepherd of your soul, am always accessible to you. You can train your mind to turn from other things and focus on Me. When you experience something beautiful, thank Me for it. When a loved one brings you joy, remember that I am the Source of this pleasure. Post reminders of My Presence in your home or car or office. It’s also wise to memorize Scripture since it is ultimately about Me. Turning your thoughts to Me demonstrates your trust in Me. Even undesired things such as pain and problems can be reminders to communicate with Me. Focusing on My Presence protects you from getting stuck on problems— going over and over them in your mind without making any progress. Be creative in finding new ways to turn your thoughts toward Me. Thus you can enjoy the wondrous gift of My Peace.